Bishop Burbidge encourages high schoolers at Quo Vadis to be holy

Quo Vadis participants and their families prepare to receive communion in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., July 29. GEORGE GOSS | CATHOLIC HERALD

Deacon Will Nyce waves to Quo Vadis participants at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., July 29. GEORGE GOSS | CATHOLIC HERALD

Quo Vadis participants hand the offertory gifts to Bishop Michael F. Burbidge during Mass in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., July 29. GEORGE GOSS | CATHOLIC HERALD

A statue of St. John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests, stands at the entryway to where Quo Vadis participants gather at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., July 29. GEORGE GOSS | CATHOLIC HERALD

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge opened the five-day Quo Vadis Summer
Discernment Camp by celebrating Mass in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., July 29.

Quo Vadis — Latin for “Where are you going?” — is an initiative to
help high school men discern God’s call in their lives.

Bishop Burbidge addressed more than 100 high schoolers and their
families gathered in the chapel. He encouraged them to be mindful of their call
to be a follower of Jesus.

“To the young men of Quo Vadis, you are here in one way to have a
better understanding of the Lord’s plan for you and where he might be leading
you in the future, but also to be mindful of your call right now,” he said.

Bishop Burbidge went on to list living chastely, honoring parents
and seeking out those in need as tangible ways to respond immediately to God’s
call.

After Mass, this theme of the universal call to holiness was
reiterated by Father Michael C. Isenberg, diocesan director of vocations. The
vocations office sponsored the five-day event.

“Regardless of your individual calling, Jesus wants to enter into
your life,” Father Isenberg said. “We are all here to grow in holiness. We are
all here to grow closer to Our Lord, and in that process he sometimes whispers
and points the way.”

The motivations of the participants for attending were varied,
but still united in a desire to grow in fellowship and to experience an
encounter with Jesus.

Vance Sewell hoped he would have the opportunity to deepen
friendships and make new ones, while Joseph D’Antonio was looking forward to being
close to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

“What I am looking forward to the most is getting to go to
adoration and the holy sacrifice of the Mass every day,” said D’Antonio.

Sports and traditional camp fun are part of the mix at the 12th annual camp.

“Imagine 115 high school guys, some seminarians, religious and
priests gathered for prayer, friendship and fraternity, sports tournaments,
holy hours, a pilgrimage, s’mores and more,” said Anne-Marie Minnis,
coordinator of events and communication for the vocations office. “That’s what
Quo Vadis Camp is all about.”